LAOAG CITY (PIA) – The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council convened on Friday, September 23, to plan and prepare for the possible impacts of Severe Tropical Storm 'Karding' in Ilocos Norte.
During the Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment meeting, Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc and Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos presided over the planning.
Engr. Cynthia Iglesia of the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) briefed the members on the forecast track of the severe tropical storm.
“Karding will be in the vicinity of San Mariano, Isabela at 2 p.m. on September 25 (Sunday) and will be at 210 kilometers southwest of Sinait, Ilocos Sur at 2 a.m. on September 25 (Monday),” Iglesia said.
She warned that the northern part of the province might experience heavy rainfall, especially in the municipality of Pagudpud.
One of the severely affected areas during disasters is the Manila North Road in Sitio Bangquero of Barangay Pancian in Pagudpud which is prone to landslides.
According to Engr. Robert Rabago, chief of the maintenance section of the Department of Public Works and Highways First Engineering District Office, one lane is currently passable to light vehicles due to the ongoing clearing operations in the said area when it was severely affected by the previous storm. It is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“Due to the possible adverse effects of Karding, we would be closing anytime the road section for the safety of the public and the motorists,” said Rabago.
STS KARDING. Member-agencies of PDRRMC Ilocos Norte convened on Friday, September 23, for a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment meeting for Severe Tropical Storm Karding. (PIA/MJTAB)
Further, the Office of the Provincial Agriculture has issued an advisory to all city and municipal agricultural officers to inform farmers to harvest ripe palay immediately. Fish cage owners were likewise advised to secure their fish pens.
Moreover, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Lilian Rin said that 900 food packs had been pre-positioned at the Pancian Hospital for Barangays Pancian and Pasaleng in Pagudpud and for the town of Adams.
“A total of 3,900 food packs are for re-packing. Blankets, towels, and slippers are also available,” said Rin.
Meanwhile, the 297 personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection and their 33 fire trucks are also reported to be on heightened alert.
As of 5 p.m., the southern portion of Ilocos Norte namely Nueva Era, Badoc, Pinili, Banna, City of Batac, Currimao, Paoay, and Marcos are now under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1. (JCR/JNPD/MJTAB, PIA Ilocos Norte)
